35 ChatGPT Prompts for Respiratory Therapists (Claude, ChatGPT & DeepSeek)
It's 3 AM in the ICU. You've assessed four vented patients, titrated two weaning protocols, responded to a Code Blue on the floor, and delivered bronchodilator rounds for the step-down unit. The clinical work is done.
Now comes the documentation: four ventilator assessment notes, an ABG interpretation summary, a DME prior authorization for a home vent patient discharging tomorrow, and a caregiver training record to complete before morning rounds.
Respiratory therapy is the most documentation-intensive allied health profession outside of nursing — and it's the only major allied health specialty with essentially no dedicated ChatGPT prompt resources on the open web. Until now.
These 35 prompts cover the high-frequency writing tasks for registered respiratory therapists and certified respiratory therapists. They work with Claude, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek. Replace the bracketed fields and get a professional first draft in under a minute.
Why RTs Spend Hours Writing in a High-Stakes Environment
The documentation burden in respiratory therapy is unique because the work never stops requiring clinical precision. Ventilator weaning notes must document specific parameters that justify continued mechanical support — or justify the trial of spontaneous breathing. ABG interpretation summaries must be accurate enough for attending physician review and ICU rounds. DME prior authorization letters must include the exact clinical language that payers require or the home equipment gets denied.
BLS data shows 235,400 respiratory therapists in the US, growing 13% through 2034 — one of the fastest healthcare profession growth rates. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) reports that RTs spend an average of 45–60 minutes per shift on documentation beyond direct patient care in ICU settings.
Tools like Philips IntelliVue AI and Vyaire Medical's clinical decision support are automating equipment monitoring. The writing work remains human. These prompts are the bridge.
Category 1: Ventilator Management Documentation
Mechanical ventilation documentation must justify the mode, parameters, and clinical plan at each assessment. Vague notes get challenged during audits and don't support continued hospitalization.
Prompt 1 — Ventilator Assessment Note
Write a ventilator management assessment note for an ICU respiratory therapy chart.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS/REASON FOR INTUBATION]
Ventilator mode: [MODE — e.g., AC/VC, SIMV, PSV, APRV]
Current settings: FiO2 [%], PEEP [cmH2O], Tidal Volume [mL or mL/kg IBW], Rate [breaths/min], [OTHER RELEVANT SETTINGS]
Patient's spontaneous respiratory rate: [BREATHS/MIN]
SpO2: [%] on above settings
Breath sounds: [BILATERAL, DIMINISHED, WHEEZES, CRACKLES — describe]
Patient comfort and synchrony: [PATIENT-VENTILATOR SYNCHRONY DESCRIPTION]
Secretion management: [SUCTIONING PERFORMED, AMOUNT, CHARACTER]
Assessment: [CLINICAL INTERPRETATION — stable / improving / deteriorating]
Plan: [NEXT STEPS — continue, wean, escalate]
Clinical language appropriate for physician and nursing review. Under 250 words.
Prompt 2 — Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) Documentation
Write a spontaneous breathing trial documentation note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, INTUBATION REASON, DAYS INTUBATED]
SBT method: [CPAP at [cmH2O] / T-piece / PSV at [cmH2O]]
Pre-SBT settings: [FULL VENT SETTINGS]
SBT duration: [MINUTES COMPLETED]
SBT tolerance criteria monitored: [LIST — RR, SpO2, HR, BP, tidal volumes, accessory muscle use, patient distress]
Results at [TIME MARK]:
- RR: [VALUE]
- SpO2: [VALUE]
- HR: [VALUE]
- BP: [VALUE]
- Other: [AGITATION, DIAPHORESIS, ACCESSORY MUSCLES IF PRESENT]
SBT outcome: [PASSED / FAILED — with reason if failed]
Action taken: [RETURNED TO FULL SUPPORT / EXTUBATED / FURTHER SBT PLANNED]
Precise, objective documentation of each parameter. This note justifies extubation decisions or continued mechanical ventilation. Under 300 words.
Prompt 3 — Extubation Note
Write an extubation procedure note for a mechanical ventilation patient.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, INTUBATION REASON]
Total intubation duration: [DAYS]
Pre-extubation assessment: [MENTAL STATUS, COUGH STRENGTH, SECRETION BURDEN, SBT RESULTS]
Extubation date/time: [DATE/TIME]
Procedure performed: [BRIEF — suction, deflate cuff, remove tube]
Immediate post-extubation assessment:
- Respiratory rate: [VALUE]
- SpO2: [VALUE] on [O2 DELIVERY METHOD AND FLOW]
- Voice quality: [HOARSE / CLEAR / NO VOICE — if applicable]
- Stridor: [PRESENT / ABSENT]
- Respiratory work: [COMFORTABLE / MILD INCREASE / DISTRESS]
Post-extubation respiratory support: [HIGH FLOW NASAL CANNULA / VENTURI MASK / ROOM AIR — with settings]
Plan: [MONITORING FREQUENCY, REINTUBATION THRESHOLD]
Clinical documentation note. Under 200 words.
Prompt 4 — Ventilator Weaning Progress Note
Write a daily ventilator weaning progress note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Day [#] of weaning protocol
Weaning strategy: [DAILY SBT / GRADUAL PARAMETER REDUCTION / COMFORT-FOCUSED — specify]
Yesterday's settings: [PRIOR SETTINGS]
Today's settings change: [NEW SETTINGS — what was reduced and why]
Patient's response to wean change: [CLINICAL RESPONSE — tolerance, distress, SpO2 trend]
Current weaning readiness indicators: [RASS SCORE, PEEP LEVEL, FiO2, RSBI IF DONE, SECRETION BURDEN]
Barriers to weaning: [IF ANY — hemodynamic instability, infection, neurological status, secretion burden]
Plan: [TOMORROW'S GOAL — specific parameter target or SBT plan]
Under 250 words. Progressive documentation showing the clinical weaning trajectory.
Prompt 5 — Tracheostomy Care Note
Write a tracheostomy care and assessment note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, TRACH TYPE AND SIZE, DATE PLACED]
Trach care performed: [CLEANING, DRESSING CHANGE, INNER CANNULA CARE — describe]
Stoma assessment: [CONDITION — clean, intact, no redness / signs of skin breakdown or infection]
Cuff management: [CUFF PRESSURE MEASURED — value, minimal leak technique if used]
Suctioning: [PERFORMED, SECRETION AMOUNT AND CHARACTER]
Speaking valve trial: [IF APPLICABLE — Passy Muir, duration, patient tolerance]
Decannulation assessment: [IF APPLICABLE — patient's candidacy for capping trials or decannulation]
Patient/family education: [WHAT WAS TAUGHT THIS VISIT]
Systematic trach management documentation. Under 250 words.
Category 2: ABG Interpretation and Clinical Summaries
Arterial blood gas interpretation summaries must translate complex acid-base findings into clinical narrative that attending physicians and ICU teams can act on.
Prompt 6 — ABG Interpretation Summary
Write an arterial blood gas interpretation and clinical summary.
ABG values:
pH: [VALUE]
PaCO2: [VALUE mmHg]
PaO2: [VALUE mmHg]
HCO3: [VALUE mEq/L]
SpO2: [VALUE %]
BE: [VALUE mEq/L]
Patient context: [AGE, SEX, CURRENT RESPIRATORY SUPPORT, CLINICAL CONDITION]
Current ventilator settings (if intubated): [SETTINGS]
Interpret the ABG:
1. Primary acid-base disorder: [ACIDOSIS/ALKALOSIS — respiratory or metabolic]
2. Compensation status: [COMPENSATED / PARTIALLY COMPENSATED / UNCOMPENSATED]
3. Oxygenation status: [P/F RATIO, ADEQUACY OF OXYGENATION]
4. Clinical interpretation: [WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THIS PATIENT]
5. Recommended action: [VENTILATOR ADJUSTMENT / NOTIFY PHYSICIAN / CONTINUE CURRENT PLAN]
Clinical summary format. Under 200 words. Physician-ready.
Prompt 7 — Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Summary Report
Write a pulmonary function test results summary.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, CHIEF COMPLAINT/REASON FOR TESTING]
Test performed: [SPIROMETRY / FULL PFTs / DLCO — specify]
Key results:
FVC: [VALUE] ([% PREDICTED])
FEV1: [VALUE] ([% PREDICTED])
FEV1/FVC ratio: [VALUE]
TLC (if full PFT): [VALUE] ([% PREDICTED])
DLCO (if performed): [VALUE] ([% PREDICTED])
Post-bronchodilator improvement (if done): [YES/NO — % change in FEV1]
Interpretation:
Pattern: [OBSTRUCTIVE / RESTRICTIVE / MIXED / NORMAL]
Severity: [MILD / MODERATE / SEVERE / VERY SEVERE]
Reversibility: [IF APPLICABLE]
Clinical summary for physician review. Under 200 words. Recommend appropriate follow-up.
Prompt 8 — Overnight Oximetry Report Summary
Write an overnight pulse oximetry study summary report.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, SUSPECTED DIAGNOSIS — SDB / COPD monitoring / post-op]
Study duration: [HOURS OF RECORDING]
Key findings:
Mean SpO2: [%]
Minimum SpO2: [%]
% Time SpO2 < 88%: [%]
% Time SpO2 < 90%: [%]
Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI): [EVENTS/HOUR if calculated]
Oxygen therapy during study: [YES — [FLOW] / NO]
Clinical interpretation: [NORMAL / ABNORMAL — specific findings]
Recommendation: [FURTHER EVALUATION / PAP THERAPY REFERRAL / SUPPLEMENTAL O2 / FOLLOW-UP]
Physician-readable report format. Under 200 words.
Prompt 9 — Code Blue / Rapid Response Respiratory Documentation
Write a respiratory therapy documentation note for a Code Blue or Rapid Response event.
Event type: [CODE BLUE / RAPID RESPONSE / MRT CALL]
Time called: [TIME] | Time arrived: [TIME]
Patient: [AGE, SEX, ADMITTING DIAGNOSIS]
Patient status on arrival: [RESPIRATORY STATUS, LOC, SKIN COLOR, PULSE]
Interventions performed (in order):
1. [INTERVENTION — BVM ventilation, intubation, CPR support, suctioning, etc.]
2. [NEXT INTERVENTION]
(continue as needed)
Airway management: [SUCCESSFULLY INTUBATED / BVM ONLY / SUPRAGLOTTIC AIRWAY — tube size, depth, confirmation method]
Ventilator settings applied: [IF INTUBATED]
Patient status at end of event: [STABLE / TRANSFERRED TO ICU / DECEASED — document professionally]
Handoff to: [ICU TEAM / ATTENDING — name if known]
Time-stamped, factual event documentation. Under 300 words.
Prompt 10 — Bronchoscopy Assist Procedure Note
Write a respiratory therapy bronchoscopy assist procedure note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, INDICATION FOR BRONCHOSCOPY]
Performing physician: [DR. NAME, SPECIALTY]
Date/time: [DATE/TIME]
Patient preparation by RT: [PREOXYGENATION, MEDICATION PREP IF RT ROLE, POSITIONING]
Sedation monitoring: [SpO2, RR, HR, BP at key intervals]
Supplemental O2 during procedure: [DELIVERY METHOD AND FLOW]
Complication management: [ANY DESATURATION EVENTS, INTERVENTIONS REQUIRED — or "none"]
Post-procedure status: [SpO2, RESPIRATORY STATUS, PATIENT COMFORT]
Specimen obtained: [YES/NO — type, sent to lab]
Handoff: [PATIENT RETURNED TO UNIT, REPORT GIVEN TO NURSE]
RT-specific assist role documentation. Under 250 words.
Category 3: DME Prior Authorization and Discharge Planning
Home respiratory equipment — home ventilators, portable oxygen, BiPAP, CPAP — requires specific clinical justification language. Vague submissions get denied.
Prompt 11 — Home Oxygen Prior Authorization Letter
Write a prior authorization request letter for home supplemental oxygen.
Patient: [NAME, AGE, DIAGNOSIS — e.g., COPD GOLD Stage III, pulmonary hypertension, ILD]
Qualifying test: [OXIMETRY OR ABG DATE AND VALUES — SpO2 at rest, with exertion, during sleep]
Clinical criteria met: [PAYER CRITERIA — e.g., Medicare LCD requires SpO2 ≤88% at rest or ≤88% during exertion testing]
Prescribed oxygen: [FLOW RATE AND DELIVERY METHOD — e.g., 2 LPM via nasal cannula, 24/7]
Patient's functional limitation without oxygen: [DESCRIBE — dyspnea, oxygen desaturation, activity restriction]
Duration of need: [LIFETIME / 1 YEAR / SPECIFY]
Address to the DME supplier/payer. Include all Medicare or commercial payer criteria as applicable. Under 300 words.
Prompt 12 — Home Ventilator Prior Authorization
Write a prior authorization letter for home mechanical ventilation.
Patient: [NAME, AGE, DIAGNOSIS — e.g., ALS, high-level SCI, Duchenne MD, severe COPD with hypercapnia]
Type of ventilator requested: [NONINVASIVE — BiPAP ST, AVAPS / INVASIVE — portable volume vent, specify]
Clinical justification: [PaCO2 LEVEL, SpO2 WITHOUT DEVICE, FVC % PREDICTED, SYMPTOMS]
Current settings (if established): [MODE, RATE, IPAP/EPAP OR TIDAL VOLUME, FiO2]
Alternative care without device: [ACUTE HOSPITALIZATION / INCREASED MORTALITY — state clearly]
Support system at home: [CAREGIVER TRAINING STATUS, HOME NURSING FREQUENCY IF APPLICABLE]
Physician ordering: [DR. NAME AND SPECIALTY]
Medical necessity must be ironclad for home vent approval. Be specific with clinical values. Under 350 words.
Prompt 13 — BiPAP/CPAP Prior Authorization for Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Write a prior authorization request letter for CPAP or BiPAP therapy.
Patient: [NAME, AGE, DIAGNOSIS — OSA / CSA / COPD-OSA overlap]
Sleep study results: [AHI, ODI, MINIMUM SATO2, DATE OF STUDY, TYPE — PSG / HSAT]
Severity classification: [MILD / MODERATE / SEVERE OSA based on AHI]
Symptoms: [EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS, SNORING, WITNESSED APNEAS, COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT]
Device prescribed: [CPAP / BILEVEL — with titrated pressure if known]
Commercial payer criteria met: [REFERENCE PAYER'S LCD OR COVERAGE CRITERIA]
Medicare criteria (if applicable): AHI ≥5 with symptoms OR AHI ≥15 regardless of symptoms; [CONFIRM WHICH APPLIES]
Under 250 words. Address to DME supplier. Include qualifying diagnostic criteria exactly.
Prompt 14 — Respiratory Therapy Discharge Instructions for COPD Patient
Write respiratory therapy discharge instructions for a COPD patient.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, COPD STAGE]
Home respiratory equipment prescribed: [O2, NEBULIZER, INHALER LIST]
Inhaler technique reminders: [KEY POINTS — include spacer use if prescribed]
Home oxygen instructions: [FLOW RATE, WHEN TO USE, SAFETY — no smoking, keep away from flame]
Action plan for exacerbation: [WHEN TO USE RESCUE BRONCHODILATOR, WHEN TO CALL DR., WHEN TO GO TO ER]
Activity guidance: [PURSED LIP BREATHING, ENERGY CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES]
Follow-up: [RESPIRATORY THERAPY OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENT / PULMONOLOGIST DATE]
Red flags — go to the ER immediately if: [SPECIFIC SIGNS — severe dyspnea at rest, lips turning blue, confusion]
Patient-level language. Clear, numbered steps. Include medication names as written on discharge paperwork. Under 400 words.
Prompt 15 — Home Vent Caregiver Training Record
Write a caregiver training documentation record for a home mechanical ventilation patient.
Patient: [NAME]
Primary caregiver trained: [NAME AND RELATIONSHIP TO PATIENT]
Device: [VENTILATOR MODEL AND MODE]
Training topics covered:
☐ [TOPIC 1 — e.g., circuit setup and daily check]
☐ [TOPIC 2 — alarm recognition and response]
☐ [TOPIC 3 — trach care if applicable]
☐ [TOPIC 4 — emergency bag-mask ventilation]
☐ [TOPIC 5 — when to call 911 vs. home health]
Demonstration return: [CAREGIVER PERFORMED RETURN DEMONSTRATION — YES / NO / PARTIAL]
Competency assessment: [COMPETENT / NEEDS REINFORCEMENT — specify area]
Additional training needed: [YES/NO — describe]
Trainer: [RT NAME AND CREDENTIAL]
Date: [DATE]
Structured competency checklist format. Under 200 words narrative section.
Category 4: Patient Education Materials
Prompt 16 — Incentive Spirometry Patient Instructions
Write patient instructions for incentive spirometry use.
Patient diagnosis: [CONDITION — post-op, pneumonia, atelectasis, COPD]
Device prescribed: [SPIROMETER TYPE if known, or generic instructions]
Goal volume: [TARGET — e.g., 1,500 mL or "as high as possible"]
Frequency: [HOW OFTEN — e.g., 10 breaths every hour while awake]
Technique steps: [NUMBERED — breathe out normally, seal lips on mouthpiece, breathe in slowly and deeply, hold 3-5 seconds, rest]
Common mistakes to avoid: [BREATHE IN TOO FAST, NOT HOLDING, LYING FLAT]
When to call us: [WORSENING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, COUGHING UP BLOOD, FEVER]
Simple, numbered instructions. No jargon. Under 200 words. Patient will be going home.
Prompt 17 — Inhaler Technique Education (MDI)
Write metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique instructions for a patient.
Medication: [MEDICATION NAME — e.g., albuterol, fluticasone, tiotropia, formoterol]
Type: [RESCUE / MAINTENANCE — adjust importance framing accordingly]
Spacer: [YES — include spacer steps / NO]
Technique steps: [NUMBERED — shake, prime if new, exhale, seal lips, press and inhale slowly, hold 10 sec, wait 1 min between puffs]
When to use: [RESCUE — as needed for symptoms / MAINTENANCE — exact schedule]
What to do if you miss a dose: [GUIDANCE]
Signs the medication is working: [FOR RESCUE — relief within 15-20 min]
Signs you need more help: [SYMPTOM WORSENING, USING RESCUE >2x/week = see your doctor]
Patient-friendly language. Under 250 words.
Prompt 18 — Smoking Cessation Counseling Note
Write a respiratory therapy smoking cessation brief counseling note (5 A's model).
Patient: [AGE, SEX, PACK-YEAR HISTORY]
ASK: Patient confirmed current smoker / [AMOUNT PER DAY]
ADVISE: Clear, strong advice given: "Quitting is the most important thing you can do for your lung health."
ASSESS: Patient's readiness to quit: [READY / UNSURE / NOT READY — which stage of change]
ASSIST: Resources provided: [NICOTINE REPLACEMENT DISCUSSED / QUITLINE 1-800-QUIT-NOW / PRESCRIPTION REFERRAL IF APPLICABLE]
ARRANGE: Follow-up: [OUTPATIENT PULM REFERRAL / PCP NOTIFIED / REPEAT COUNSELING NEXT VISIT]
Clinical note format. Under 150 words. Documents the tobacco cessation intervention for billing and quality metrics.
Prompt 19 — Pursed-Lip Breathing Education
Write patient education instructions for pursed-lip breathing technique.
Patient: [CONDITION — COPD / dyspnea during activity / anxiety-related breathing]
Why pursed-lip breathing helps: [PLAIN LANGUAGE — slows breathing, keeps airways open longer, helps exhale trapped air in COPD]
Technique steps: [NUMBERED — relax shoulders, inhale through nose for 2 counts, purse lips as if blowing out a candle, exhale slowly for 4 counts]
When to use it: [ACTIVITY BEFORE IT STARTS / DURING SHORTNESS OF BREATH / CLIMBING STAIRS]
Practice schedule: [HOW OFTEN TO PRACTICE — e.g., several times a day until it becomes automatic]
Common mistakes: [FORCING EXHALE / TENSING SHOULDERS / BREATHING TOO FAST]
Simple, encouraging instructions. Under 200 words.
Prompt 20 — COPD Exacerbation Action Plan
Write a COPD action plan for a patient being discharged after an exacerbation.
Patient: [STAGE OF COPD]
Green zone (doing well): [DESCRIBE BASELINE — what's normal for this patient: SpO2, activity tolerance, typical cough/sputum]
Yellow zone (caution): [DESCRIBE WORSENING SIGNS — increased dyspnea, more sputum, color change, lower SpO2]
Yellow zone actions: [WHAT TO DO — increase rescue inhaler, start action plan medications if prescribed, call doctor within 24h]
Red zone (emergency): [DESCRIBE — severe dyspnea at rest, cyanosis, confusion, SpO2 <88% on home O2]
Red zone actions: [CALL 911 / GO TO ER IMMEDIATELY — do not drive yourself]
Medications to always have: [LIST RESCUE AND CONTROLLER INHALERS]
Emergency contacts: [DR. NAME/NUMBER, PULMONOLOGIST, HOSPITAL DIRECTION]
Traffic light format. Under 300 words. Patient needs to be able to find and understand this at 2 AM.
Category 5: Physician Communication and Clinical Coordination
Prompt 21 — SBAR Communication to Attending Physician
Write an SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) communication for a respiratory therapy concern.
S — Situation: [BRIEF STATEMENT — e.g., "Patient Jones in ICU Bed 4 has worsening ventilator dyssynchrony and rising PaCO2"]
B — Background: [RELEVANT HISTORY — diagnosis, how long intubated, current settings, recent ABG results]
A — Assessment: [RT'S CLINICAL ASSESSMENT — what is causing the problem, severity]
R — Recommendation: [SPECIFIC ASKS — e.g., "Requesting order to change to SIMV mode, increase rate to 18, and repeat ABG in 1 hour"]
Concise and action-oriented. Under 200 words. This is a verbal or written handoff tool — physicians respond to specific recommendations.
Prompt 22 — Pulmonologist Referral Communication
Write a respiratory therapy referral communication to a pulmonologist.
Patient: [NAME, AGE, ADMITTING DIAGNOSIS]
Reason for pulmonology referral: [SPECIFIC — e.g., "Failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after 14 days, suspected underlying neuromuscular disease"]
Current respiratory status: [VENT SETTINGS, SPONTANEOUS BREATHING PARAMETERS, ABG SUMMARY]
RT interventions to date: [WHAT HAS BEEN TRIED — SBT frequency, parameter changes, weaning strategy]
Concerns: [SPECIFIC CLINICAL QUESTIONS YOU WANT THE PULMONOLOGIST TO ADDRESS]
Urgency: [ROUTINE / URGENT / SAME-DAY]
Professional and concise. Under 250 words. This communication gets your referral seen and acted on.
Prompt 23 — Shift Handoff Report
Write a respiratory therapy shift handoff report for ICU patients.
Patient 1: [ROOM/BED], [BRIEF DIAGNOSIS], Vent: [MODE, KEY SETTINGS], Status: [STABLE/WEANING/CONCERN], Priorities: [NEXT SHIFT ACTIONS]
Patient 2: [SAME FORMAT]
Patient 3: [SAME FORMAT]
(add more as needed)
Pending orders or follow-up needed: [LIST]
Equipment issues: [VENTILATORS, NEBULIZERS, OXYGEN SYSTEMS WITH ISSUES]
STAT follow-up needed: [ANY URGENT ITEMS]
Structured, brief. The incoming RT needs to know the essential clinical picture for each patient in 2 minutes or less. Format as an organized list.
Category 6: Incident Documentation and Quality Improvement
Prompt 24 — Adverse Event / Incident Report
Write an incident report for a respiratory therapy-related adverse event.
Event: [WHAT HAPPENED — e.g., unplanned extubation, ventilator circuit disconnect not detected immediately, patient injury during suctioning]
Date/time: [DATE/TIME]
Patient: [AGE, SEX — no identifying name in incident report]
Circumstances: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION — what was happening before the event]
Immediate response: [WHAT WAS DONE IMMEDIATELY]
Patient outcome: [CURRENT STATUS — unharmed / stabilized / escalated care]
Contributing factors: [IF IDENTIFIED — workload, equipment, communication gap]
Preventive recommendations: [WHAT COULD PREVENT RECURRENCE]
Factual, objective, no admission of liability language. Under 300 words. Internal quality document.
Prompt 25 — Protocol Variance Documentation
Write a documentation note for a variance from standard respiratory therapy protocol.
Protocol name: [E.g., ventilator weaning protocol, daily SBT protocol, incentive spirometry post-op protocol]
Standard protocol action: [WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE]
Variance: [WHAT WAS ACTUALLY DONE AND WHY]
Clinical justification: [PATIENT-SPECIFIC REASON FOR DEVIATION — hemodynamic instability, patient refusal, physician order to hold, etc.]
Physician notified: [YES — DR. NAME, TIME / NO — NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VARIANCE]
Patient outcome: [NO ADVERSE OUTCOME / DESCRIBE IF APPLICABLE]
Justification-focused note. Under 150 words. Protects the RT from QA review and documents clinical decision-making.
Category 7: Bonus High-Value Scenarios
Prompt 26 — Neonatal Respiratory Support Note (NICU)
Write a respiratory assessment note for a NEONATAL intensive care patient.
Patient: [GESTATIONAL AGE AT BIRTH, CURRENT DOL, DIAGNOSIS — e.g., RDS, BPD, TTN]
Respiratory support: [INVASIVE VENT / CPAP / HIGH FLOW NASAL CANNULA / ROOM AIR — with settings]
Parameters: FiO2 [%], PEEP/CPAP level [cmH2O], flow [L/min], SpO2 target range [%]
Breath sounds: [BILATERAL / DIMINISHED / CREPITATIONS]
Chest rise: [SYMMETRIC / ASYMMETRIC]
Skin color: [PINK / PALE / DUSKY / CYANOTIC]
Secretions: [SUCTIONING PERFORMED — amount, consistency]
Plan: [WEAN O2 / TRIAL OFF CPAP / NOTIFY NEONATOLOGIST IF WORSENING]
Neonatal-specific format. Under 200 words. Reflect the precision required for this population.
Prompt 27 — Pulmonary Rehabilitation Progress Note
Write a pulmonary rehabilitation progress note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS — COPD/ILD/post-lung transplant]
Session number: [# of TOTAL AUTHORIZED]
Exercise completed today:
- Aerobic: [E.g., 20 min stationary bike at [WATTS/RESISTANCE], SpO2 maintained [%]]
- Strength: [E.g., upper extremity resistance bands, 3 × 10 reps]
Patient-reported exertion: [BORG SCALE — #/10]
SpO2 range during exercise: [LOW — HIGH %]
O2 requirement with exercise: [FLOW RATE — or "room air"]
Symptoms during session: [DYSPNEA LEVEL, FATIGUE, ANY COMPLAINTS]
Functional improvement: [E.g., "Patient walked 5 min longer than last session without rest"]
Education provided this session: [TOPIC — e.g., energy conservation, COPD management]
Plan: [NEXT SESSION GOALS — increase resistance, extend aerobic time]
Under 250 words. Progress-focused documentation for payer and clinical review.
Prompt 28 — Ventilator-Associated Event (VAE) Prevention Note
Write a ventilator bundle compliance documentation note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, DAY OF INTUBATION]
Ventilator bundle elements checked today:
☑ HOB elevation 30-45°: [COMPLIANT / NON-COMPLIANT — reason]
☑ Oral care with chlorhexidine: [PERFORMED / NOT PERFORMED — reason]
☑ Sedation vacation attempted: [YES — duration / NO — reason]
☑ SBT performed or assessed: [PASSED / FAILED / NOT CANDIDATE — reason]
☑ DVT prophylaxis in place: [YES / NO — confirm with physician orders]
☑ Peptic ulcer prophylaxis: [YES / NO]
Compliance rate today: [% of elements complete]
VAE prevention actions taken: [ANY SPECIFIC STEPS RELATED TO VAE PREVENTION]
Concerns or deviations: [DOCUMENT ANY BUNDLE ELEMENTS NOT COMPLETED WITH CLINICAL REASON]
Structured compliance checklist note. Under 200 words.
Prompt 29 — Home Sleep Study Patient Instructions
Write patient instructions for a home sleep apnea test (HSAT).
Patient: [SYMPTOMS — snoring, witnessed apneas, daytime sleepiness]
Device type: [DEVICE NAME/TYPE if known, or generic HSAT instructions]
Night before: [PREPARATION — no alcohol, avoid napping, take usual medications unless told otherwise]
Setup instructions: [NUMBERED STEPS — how to apply sensors, position device, start recording]
What to do if device falls off during night: [TROUBLESHOOT GUIDANCE]
What to do in the morning: [TURN OFF DEVICE, RETURN DATE/LOCATION]
What happens next: [RESULTS TIMELINE — your doctor will review in X days]
Questions or problems: [CONTACT NUMBER]
Clear, numbered instructions. Patient is doing this alone at home. Under 250 words.
Prompt 30 — RT Competency Verification Note for New Skill
Write a competency verification documentation note for an RT demonstrating a new clinical skill.
Skill assessed: [E.g., CPAP initiation, arterial line sampling, tracheostomy change assist, HFNC setup]
Staff member: [RT NAME AND CREDENTIAL]
Assessment method: [RETURN DEMONSTRATION / OBSERVED PERFORMANCE / WRITTEN TEST — specify]
Performance criteria evaluated: [LIST 3-5 KEY COMPETENCY ELEMENTS]
Performance result: [COMPETENT / NEEDS ADDITIONAL TRAINING — specify area if needed]
Evaluator: [NAME AND CREDENTIAL]
Date: [DATE]
Next scheduled reassessment: [DATE IF APPLICABLE — or "annual review"]
Structured competency documentation. Under 150 words.
Prompt 31 — Difficult Airway Documentation Note
Write a difficult airway management documentation note.
Patient: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Airway assessment findings: [MALLAMPATI, MOUTH OPENING, NECK MOBILITY, RISK FACTORS — e.g., obesity, prior difficult airway, neck radiation]
Airway classification: [GRADE — I / II / III / IV using Cormack-Lehane or LEMON assessment]
Intubation attempts: [NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS, LARYNGOSCOPE TYPE, BLADE SIZE]
Techniques used: [DIRECT LARYNGOSCOPY / VL / FIBER OPTIC / LMA BRIDGE — document sequence]
RT support role: [CRICOID PRESSURE APPLIED / BVM PROVIDED / OXYGEN DELIVERY MAINTAINED]
Outcome: [SUCCESSFUL INTUBATION ON ATTEMPT # / SURGICAL AIRWAY REQUIRED]
Post-intubation confirmation: [ETCO2 WAVEFORM, BILATERAL BREATH SOUNDS, CXR ORDERED]
Precise event documentation. Under 250 words. Critical for future anesthesia care.
Prompt 32 — Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education Session Note
Write a documentation note for a respiratory therapy clinical education session delivered to nursing staff or medical residents.
Topic taught: [E.g., ventilator alarm management, inhaler technique demonstration, ABG interpretation basics, tracheostomy care]
Audience: [NURSING STAFF / MEDICAL RESIDENTS / STUDENTS — specify unit]
Number of attendees: [#]
Teaching methods: [LECTURE / DEMONSTRATION / CASE STUDY / SKILLS LAB]
Key learning objectives: [3 BULLET POINTS]
Post-teaching competency check: [QUIZ / RETURN DEMONSTRATION / Q&A — results]
Evaluation: [OVERALL COMPETENCY LEVEL OF ATTENDEES — adequate / needs reinforcement]
Follow-up planned: [ONE-ON-ONE COACHING FOR SPECIFIC STAFF / REPEAT SESSION / NONE NEEDED]
Under 200 words. Documents RT's education contribution to quality metrics and professional development records.
Prompt 33 — Respiratory Equipment Troubleshooting Note
Write a respiratory therapy equipment troubleshooting documentation note.
Equipment: [VENTILATOR MODEL / NEBULIZER / CPAP / OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR]
Problem reported: [ALARM TYPE / FUNCTIONAL ISSUE / PATIENT COMPLAINT — describe]
Troubleshooting steps performed: [NUMBERED — circuit check, leak test, power cycle, alarm reset, parameter review]
Finding: [CIRCUIT DISCONNECT / CUFF LEAK / EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION / NO FAULT FOUND]
Action taken: [REPAIRED / REPLACED / BIOMEDICAL NOTIFIED / LOANER EQUIPMENT APPLIED]
Patient safety impact: [NONE — quickly resolved / INTERVENTION REQUIRED — describe]
Status at time of note: [EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONING NORMALLY / PENDING BIOMEDICAL SERVICE]
Under 150 words. Engineering-quality troubleshooting record.
Prompt 34 — Respiratory Therapy Annual Review Self-Assessment
Write a professional self-assessment for an annual respiratory therapy performance review.
Clinical strengths demonstrated this year: [3 SPECIFIC EXAMPLES — patient outcomes, complex cases managed, new skills acquired]
Quality improvement contributions: [COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION / PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT / EDUCATION DELIVERED]
Professional development completed: [CEUs EARNED, CERTIFICATIONS MAINTAINED OR ADDED, CONFERENCES ATTENDED]
Goals for next year: [3 SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL GOALS — clinical skill target, leadership objective, certification goal]
Areas where support would help: [HONEST ASSESSMENT — e.g., additional training in NICU, leadership development, research participation]
Professional, specific, evidence-based. Under 300 words. This self-assessment influences your evaluation and development plan.
Prompt 35 — RT Career Development Letter for Specialty Certification
Write a letter of intent or personal statement for an RT pursuing specialty certification.
Target credential: [NPS / ACCS / CPFT / RRT-NPS / SDS — specify]
Years of RT experience: [#]
Clinical specialty focus: [NEONATAL / CRITICAL CARE / SLEEP / GENERAL]
Specific experience supporting this credential: [PATIENT POPULATIONS, PROCEDURES MASTERED, UNITS WORKED]
Why this credential matters to your practice: [HOW IT IMPROVES PATIENT CARE / PROFESSIONAL STANDING]
Career goal: [WHERE YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR RT CAREER]
Articulate and professional. Demonstrates clinical maturity and professional commitment. Under 350 words.
Start With These Three
If you're new to using AI for RT documentation, start here:
- Prompt 1 — Ventilator assessment note. Take your next 4-hour vent assessment and cut the note from 15 minutes to 3.
- Prompt 6 — ABG interpretation summary. Never struggle to translate complex acid-base findings into physician-ready narrative again.
- Prompt 11 — Home oxygen prior authorization letter. Your next DME submission gets written once and reviewed, not written from scratch.
The rest of the prompts build the complete RT documentation library. Use one category until it's automatic, then add the next.
Get the Complete Respiratory Therapist AI Toolkit
These 35 prompts are the foundation. The complete Respiratory Therapist AI Clinical Toolkit includes 80+ prompts covering every documentation scenario in respiratory care — from NICU vent management to outpatient pulmonary rehab to clinical education leadership.
👉 Get the Respiratory Therapist AI Clinical Toolkit — Use LAUNCH30 for 30% off — limited uses remaining.
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek. Copy-paste ready. No AI expertise required.
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